A Simple, Easy Bible Memory System
The Topical Memory System (TMS) is a simple, easy-to-use system for memorizing key Bible verses that point to essential gospel truths.
If you or a friend are inspired to memorize Scripture but aren’t sure where to start, this resource is the perfect launching point to begin “hiding God’s Word in your heart” (Psalm 119:11).
We pray this new journey into Scripture also helps you abide in–or stay deeply rooted in–Christ, which Jesus tells us is the key to having Kingdom impact in this world (John 15:5).
A Proven Approach
Memorizing Scripture is as an excellent strategy for spiritual growth. It allows you to have gospel truths ready at all times, whether your day brings you temptation, heartache, or a friend in need of encouragement. Many thousands of people have shared that this system was what finally worked for them after years of trying other approaches.
5 Tips for Memorizing More Scripture
1: Pick an area of gospel truth you’re motivated to understand more deeply
Selecting Scripture that you resonate with will make it more likely that you’ll memorize them. There are lots of Bible memory systems organized by topics, including the Topical Memory System (TMS) by The Navigators. Use this topic and verse outline below as a guide. It has been curated by The Navigators based on experience helping people of all ages grow in Christ since the 1930s. Keep a picture of this list on your phone!
2: Start small
Start with verses that are short or have short phrases that are easy to remember. It may also be helpful to choose verses that are easy to understand and in everyday language. By starting small, you’ll be encouraged by having several verses memorized fairly quickly.
3: Dig into the context
After you select a verse, find it in your Bible and read the paragraph before and after it. Use this context to gain a clear understanding of what the verse means. You may want to read the verse in other Bible translations or consult a commentary.
4: Apply the verse to your life.
You will be more likely to remember a verse if you connect it with a new attitude or action. Remember: memorizing Scripture is not just about gaining head knowledge; this is what we truly believe! We remember what we apply and put into practice.
5: Find a Scripture memory community
Invite a friend or several to memorize with you! Set a time each week to check in and review verses. In just ten minutes you can give each other enough accountability to grow by leaps and bounds in your love for God and knowledge of His Word.
Topical Memory System (TMS)
Living The New Life
| Christ the Center | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | Galatians 2:20 |
| Obedience to Christ | Romans 12:1 | John 14:21 |
| The Word | 2 Timothy 3:16 | Joshua 1:8 |
| Prayer | John 15:7 | Philippians 4:6-7 |
| Fellowship | Matthew 18:20 | Hebrews 10:24-25 |
| Witnessing | Matthew 4:19 | Romans 1:16 |
Proclaiming Christ
| All Have Sinned | Romans 3:23 | Isaiah 53:6 |
| Sin’s Penalty | Romans 6:23 | Hebrews 9:27 |
| Christ Paid the Penalty | Romans 5:8 | 1 Peter 3:18 |
| Salvation is not by Works | Ephesians 2:8-9 | Titus 3:5 |
| Must Receive Christ | John 1:12 | Revelation 3:20 |
| Assurance of Salvation | 1 John 5:13 | John 5:24 |
Reliance On God’s Resources
| His Spirit | 1 Corinthians 3:16 | 1 Corinthians 2:12 |
| His Strength | Isaiah 41:10 | Philippians 4:13 |
| His Faithfulness | Lamentations 3:22-23 | Numbers 23:19 |
| His Peace | Isaiah 26:3 | 1 Peter 5:7 |
| His Provision | Romans 8:32 | Philippians 4:19 |
| His Help in Temptation | Hebrews 2:18 | Psalms 119:9-11 |
Being Christ’s Disciple
| Put Christ First | Matthew 6:33 | Luke 9:23 |
| Separate From the World | 1 John 2:15 | Romans 12:2 |
| Be Steadfast | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Hebrews 12:3 |
| Serve Others | Mark 10:45 | 2 Corinthians 4:5 |
| Give Generously | Proverbs 3:9-10 | 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 |
| Develop World Vision | Acts 1:8 | Matthew 28:19-20 |
Growth In Christlikeness
| Love | John 13:34-35 | 1 John 3:18 |
| Humility | Philippians 2:3-4 | 1 Peter 5:5-6 |
| Purity | Ephesians 5:3 | 1 Peter 2:11 |
| Honesty | Leviticus 19:11 | Acts 24:16 |
| Faith | Hebrews 11:6 | Romans 4:20-21 |
| Good Works | Galatians 6:9-10 | Matthew 5:16 |
You can order the complete Topical Memory System (TMS) from our publisher NavPress (which includes a helpful guidebook, pocket-sized memory verse cards and a verse card holder) for yourself or as a gift for friends.
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Thanks so much for sharing with the Body of Christ and those interested methods for memorizing Scripture. My lingering question with your Topical system is – why not encourage also the system of memorizing whole books? Even though your topical Memory system is a proven method as you have stated on the website, wouldn’t it be okay to also encourage the memorization of whole books, or at least whole chapters? I have found this memorization of whole books to be extremely helpful and humbling, and I feel the thousands that utilize navigators as a resource for spiritual growth, would be encouraged with the next level of memorization beyond single verses. Memorizing the whole passage, chapter, or book is truly a great way to know the context of the verse. You could even list it as #6 on the above list, or #6. Memorize a whole chapter. #7 memorize a whole book. Just a thought to consider. Thank you so much for all of the effort you put into helping people dig into the word of God.
Danny, probably the designer of the Memorizing Method had in mind that the Topical Method is more appropriate for the new converts, who need the “spiritual milk”.
After a period of spiritual growth, nobody can stop anybody to memorize : one chapter (like Psalm 1, 23, 32,or Isaiah 53, 58), or few chapters in row (ex The Sermon on The Mount), or even short books (like Jude) or longer ones (like Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians or Philippians).
It’s just an opinion!
Be blessed, in order to be a blessing!
The Topical Memory System is fantastic! It’s always helpful to have God’s Word close to heart, especially when life gets busy.
Thank you for this insightful and encouraging article on Bible memorization! Your practical tips and spiritual encouragement are truly inspiring. I’ve found that memorizing scripture has profoundly deepened my faith and understanding.